Racing Post

Cheekpieces the key to a Fame success

TUESDAY NEWCASTLE

Four recent winners clash in the 2m1f handicap hurdle and RAVENSCAR (4.20) is the one I think is most likely to follow up.

Phil Kirby’s mare lost her way after winning a similar event over this course and distance last February but she looked better than ever when reappearing from a short break at Sedgefield recently, beating Somewhat Cloudy by five lengths.

She appeared to have a bit left in the tank that day so a 7lb higher mark might not be enough to stop her.

IMMORTAL

Heavy ground was a valid excuse when FAME (3.25) disappointed at Uttoxeter last time out but he had previously been in solid form. Tom Lacey’s charge kicked off his campaign with a second over hurdles at Chepstow in October and filled the same position in a Doncaster chase next time out. He was beaten less than three lengths there and won’t be far away in this company if new cheekpieces spark a revival.

A new visor did the trick with BERT WILSON (1.05) at Plumpton last time out and he can strike again if the headgear is equally effective. He failed to complete a chase here in November but enjoyed returning to hurdles at Plumpton six weeks later when he was sent to the front turning for home and found plenty to beat Pawpaw by two lengths. A 4lb rise still leaves him on a decent mark.

MOUNT TEMPEST (2.50) is an interesting contender in the second handicap hurdle. Dan Skelton’s charge got the better of Georges Saint in a tight duel at Leicester in December and is forgiven a lesser effort at the same venue 27 days later, when the combination of a penalty and heavy ground proved his downfall. He hasn’t been overburdened for this switch to handicap company.

TUESDAY LINGFIELD LEARNTALOT

(4.10) was slightly below par at Wetherby in October but he has gone close in four other hurdles, including his handicap debut last time out.

Olly Murphy’s charge seemed to enjoy stepping up to 3m that day and stayed on for second, just ahead of Court At Slip who won his next start.

He can get off the mark if a subsequent wind operation and a new tongue-tie spark even minimal improvement.

TUESDAY SOUTHWELL CORAL REEF

(7.30) lost out to Chuck Taylor when they clashed at Kempton two weeks ago but I fancy Archie Watson’s filly to turn that form around.

She did well to get the lead from stall 12 and battled valiantly but couldn’t hold off her strong finishing rival in the closing stages.

She can gain revenge from a better draw with Luke Morris replacing a 5lb claimer in the saddle. Comedian Leader is the biggest danger.

TRAINER FILE RACING OUTLOOK

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2023-01-31T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-31T08:00:00.0000000Z

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